Martha Jefferson Randolph Autograph Letter Signed -- Martha Was Acting First Lady for Her Father, President Thomas Jefferson During His Presidency

Martha Jefferson Randolph autograph letter signed from Monticello after serving as First Lady to her father, Thomas Jefferson, during his two terms as President. Since Martha's mother had died before Jefferson became President, the duties of First Lady fell to Martha, which suited her as she was very close to her father and cared for him as an aging man. Indeed, composed from Monticello near the end of Thomas Jefferson's life, Martha Randolph writes to her daughter-in-law Jane Hollins Nicholas, asking Jane if she knows the availability of a woman by the name of ''Charlotte'', to accompany her daughter Ellen Randolph on a trip, likely to Boston where she would settle with her future husband. In full, ''...Ellen is still very sick this morning not at all able to stand to try on her peticoats [sic], this has brought to mind a subject that has been talked over between us, considering how often she is sick and how violent her attacks are, that she will pass through all the great towns making some stays in each, where of course she will be visited or dressing and visiting, she will suffer very much for the want of a maid, both in health and in sickness, so probable on her long journey. She wishes that one of your sisters would write to know where Charlotte is? Having heard that she is no longer in Mrs. Smith's service, and if it would be possible to get her for the journey and to stay with her till she went to housekeeping, she would then pay her expenses back, if she did not determine to keep her, which I think myself the most probable but to leave her self more latitude upon that subject she would engage her only for some months paying her by the month. If she can be procured on those terms she would let her know when she would want her and have her to meet her in Washington at Sister P___s probably sometime in June, when we cannot yet determine. Mr. C[oolidge, Elen's fiance] will probably be here the latter end of next week or the beginning of the week after. Till he comes we can know nothing of future arrangements but I presume if one of your sisters will be good enough to write immediately then may be time still to settle that matter...Most affectionately''. Letter is unsigned at conclusion, but signed in the address panel to her daughter-in-law, ''Mrs. Randolph'' in Tufton. Return address is signed ''Thomas Jefferson esq. / Monticello'', written sometime between 1818 when Jane lived in Tufton and 1826 when Mary lived in Monticello. Two page letter measures 10'' x 7.75'' unfolded. Small portion of paper missing in corner, separation along center fold, and separation starting along other folds but overall in very good condition with very legible and still bold handwriting.

Martha Jefferson Randolph Autograph Letter Signed -- Martha Was Acting First Lady for Her Father, President Thomas Jefferson During His Presidency